Share this:

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball against San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

SANTA CLARA — No one seems to care how Russell Wilson threw four touchdown passes against the 49ers on Dec. 2. Instead, it’s another of his throws that’s all the rage heading into Sunday’s rematch when his Seattle Seahawks visit the 49ers.

When Wilson picked up linebacker Fred Warner’s stray shoe and chucked it to the side, that triggered a series of unfortunate events for the 49ers, and it cost coach Kyle Shanahan a $25,000 fine he’s appealing.

“What I would like? For common sense to prevail, allow a guy to get his shoe that was thrown and stop (the play),” Shanahan said Wednesday. “Or give us time for sub. There’s not a rule for it.”

To quickly recap, Warner’s left cleat (size 12 1/2) came off late in the third quarter, Wilson tossed it aside, Warner scrambled to the sideline upon retrieving it, and Elijah Lee was tardy replacing him so officials penalized him for offside. Rather than delay the snap and allow the 49ers time to adjust, the line judge flagged Shanahan for a profanity-laced tirade, and the Seahawks went on to score again in their 43-16 rout.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Shanahan wouldn’t elaborate on what the league office said of Seattle ShoeGate, adding: “I’m not trying to lose any more money.”

Warner will lace his cleats tighter this rematch and tease Wilson about it. ”I wasn’t mad at him for throwing it. I was more mad at the refs for not stopping the play,” Warner said. “I don’t think it was malicious.”

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, in a conference call with Bay Area media, quipped: “It showed great conscientious thought by Russell to make sure the playing field was as safe and secure as possible for all players.”

Seattle Seahawks’ Russell Wilson (3) talks with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll as he leaves the field in the fourth quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)

MULLENS MANIA: Shanahan isn’t ready to appoint Nick Mullens (2-3) over C.J. Beathard (0-5) for what promises to be an offseason battle for the No. 2 job behind Jimmy Garoppolo. But Shanahan is impressed, stating: Nick got his opportunity because of injury and he’s been very consistent and played very well. That’s why he hasn’t lost (the job). I’m glad he’s made it hard on us.”

For those skeptical about a fair competition considering their 2017 arrivals – Beathard was a third-round pick, Mullens came undrafted – Shanahan cited how undrafted Matt Breida beat out fourth-round pick Joe Williams, and how No. 3 overall pick Solomon Thomas has sat at times in favor of Sheldon Day.

Carroll commended Mullens for his 414-yard outing against the Seahawks, as well as his pocket presence and accuracy. Said Carroll: “The stuff we threw at him, he did a very good job. The last two weeks, he’s thrown for almost 800 yards (actually, 746). He’s been on fire.”

STREET MAP: Rookie defensive end Kentavius Street is making his practice debut these final three weeks, and even though it will be on scout-team duty, the Seahawks scheme mirrors much of the 49ers. “Pumped to get him out there,” said Shanahan, noting Street will play inside in pass-rush situations and also play “big end” against the run.

The 49ers used their fourth-round draft pick on Street (6-2, 287) after he tore an anterior cruciate ligament at North Carolina State’s pro day. If Arik Armstead does not return in 2019, perhaps Street and fellow 2018 draft pick Jullian Taylor challenge for the “big end” role.

LOSING STREAKS: The Seahawks, who’ll clinch a wild-card playoff berth with a Sunday victory, have won the past 10 meetings with the 49ers, from the 2013 season’s NFC Championship Game to a 43-16 rout Dec. 2 at Seattle.

The only franchise the 49ers have lost more consecutive games to is the Baltimore Colts, a 13-game skid from 1962-68. The Rams beat the 49ers 10 straight times from 1970-75 and nine in a row from 1976-80. The next-longest active streak is the Arizona Cardinals’ eight-game spree, having swept the season series since 2015.

2019 SCHEDULE: The 49ers are not among the five teams who will host international games next season in London and Mexico, but two of those teams are scheduled to host the 49ers — the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pairings and dates will be announced in the spring.

The 49ers also will play at New Orleans, Baltimore, Cincinnati and whichever NFC East team finishes in the same place as them, either the New York Giants (5-8), Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) or Washington (6-7).

Home games for the 49ers will be against the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and the corresponding NFC North finisher, either the Detroit Lions (5-8), Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) or Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1).